Violent Clashes in Bangladesh as Protests Over Reservation Quota Intensify

Protests in Bangladesh have escalated, with police using tear gas and mobile internet services being cut. Students demand the abolition of a 30% reservation quota for freedom fighters' families. Shops remain open but fewer buses are operating. The unrest poses a significant challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government.

Violent protests erupted across Bangladesh on Thursday as police fired tear gas and authorities cut mobile internet services. The unrest, which has resulted in six deaths and hundreds of injuries, showed no signs of abating. While shops and offices in Dhaka remained open, bus services were significantly reduced in response to a student-led call for a nationwide shutdown.

Clashes occurred in various regions including the southern port city of Chittagong, where stone-throwing students blocked a major highway. Junior Information Technology Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak stated that mobile internet was suspended to curb the spread of rumours and stabilize the situation on social media.

The protests, driven by high youth unemployment and demands to abolish a 30% reservation quota for freedom fighters' families, are the first major challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since her recent re-election. Hasina promised a judicial investigation into the deaths caused by police action while appealing for patience until a Supreme Court verdict. Rights groups have urged the government to protect peaceful protesters.

(With inputs from agencies.)